South-Gironde. The essential places to go and observe common cranes

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Every year, we look forward to them. Of course, we always see the common cranes, from the end of October to the end of Februarycross the sky at one time or another in South-Gironde. But have you ever been able to take a closer look at these curious birds (without disturbing them)? And do you want to know a little more about the fascinating journey What does this largest wading bird in Europe do each year?

The must-see places and 2024 events

Here are the essential places to observe it in our territory and the 2024 agenda of activities around this migratory bird.

• In Cazalis, a freely accessible observatory

In Cazalis (Gironde), a freely accessible observatory (-0.424580/44.312896) allows you to observe the cranes passing by. There are two possible walks to get there:

1. park 1 km from the observatory so as not to scare the birds, then walk quietly to the observatory
2. departing from the Auberge de Cazalis, on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, travel 7 km across the moor following the signs 'common crane observation point'

• November 17 and 24, December 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2024, January 5 and 19, February 2, 9 and 16, 2025 in Captieux (33): a family morning with the common crane

Discovery of common cranes with your children. Observation of cranes as they feed in the fields in the company of an ornithologist who has observed, talked about cranes and introduced them to the public for over 25 years… Loan of binoculars and telescopes. Outings carried out from 10 people. Travel by car to the observation areas.

Meeting and departure: 10 a.m. from the Captieux church car park. Duration: 2.5 hours from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. – Prices: €15 per adult and €10 per child (6-16 years old). Information and reservation: Jérôme Beyaert on 06 80 94 54 02 – [email protected]

• November 17 and 24, December 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2024, January 5 and 19, February 2, 9 and 16, 2025 in Captieux: a snack with the cranes

During an afternoon, come observe and discover the common cranes on the Landes plateau in the company of an ornithologist who has observed, talked about cranes and accompanied groups for more than 25 years.

The afternoon takes place in 3 parts. A time of observation and research of cranes in the feeding areas, a moment of sharing around an organic snack (tea, coffee, chocolate, cakes) then observation of the cranes returning to the dormitory. Travel by car to the observation areas. Loan of binoculars and telescope. Meeting and departure: 2 p.m. Captieux church. Duration: 4 hours from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Prices: €22 per adult and €15 per child (6-16 years old). Information and reservation: Jérôme Beyaert on 06 80 94 54 02 – [email protected]

• December 15, 2024 and January 19, 2025 in Captieux: out and about with the “gray lady”

Through this meeting offered by a leader from the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, you will take the paths that lead you to the observation of one of the largest birds in Europe, which takes up its winter quarters around Captious.

On the lookout on the edge of Camp du Poteau, you will increase your chances of witnessing scenes from the life of the gray lady: toilet, parade, foraging and other gestures to observe through the telescope, without missing the return to the areas dormitory at dusk.

Accompanied by your guide, you can learn more about the bird's way of life. A snack to share will be an opportunity for a break during this afternoon of discovery. Departure: at 2 p.m., meeting place given when booking. Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours. Places limited to 15 people. Prices: €18 per adult and €13 per child (snack included). Loan of observation equipment. Reservation required: Maison de la Nature du Bassin d’Arcachon / 05 24 73 37 33- [email protected]

• January 18, 2025 | in Bourideys: common crane outing and Landes gastronomy

Accompanied by an ornithologist from the LPO, come discover and observe the “gray ladies” at their feeding sites around Bourideys, then on their spectacular return to the dormitories in Captieux.

Lunch with local flavors at the Auberge de la Haute-Lande in Bourideys. Departure: 10 a.m. in front of the Bourideys church. Duration: 1 day. Places limited to 20 people, carpooling organized on site. Prices: €40 per person (visit and lunch). Reservation required: LPO 07 49 34 84 13 / [email protected] / www.aquitaine.lpo.fr

Other outings, in Landes and Gironde

Other outings and activities take place in Sabres, Morcenx-la-Nouvelle (at the Arjuzanx nature reserve), Luglon (40), or even Le Teich or Lacanau (33). The complete program can be found on: the online brochure.

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